The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative, has been approved by the Union Cabinet with a budget allocation of Rs 13,000 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of the scheme's launch during his Independence Day address has set the stage for its implementation.
Designed to support individuals with traditional skills, the scheme's primary objective is to extend loans on lenient terms to local workers who are instrumental in driving the majority of the rural economy. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during the scheme's launch, highlighted its potential to benefit approximately 30 lakh families of craftsmen.
Key Features of PM Vishwakarma Scheme:
- Traditional Trades Coverage: Initially, the scheme will encompass 18 traditional trades, fostering the preservation of the "Guru-Shishya parampara" or family-based practice of traditional skills among artisans and craftsmen who rely on hands-on work.
- Financial Outlay:The scheme boasts a substantial financial outlay of Rs 13,000 crore, earmarked to uplift rural trades. The selected trades include carpentry, boat making, blacksmithing, locksmithing, pottery, goldsmithing, barbering, tailoring, masonry, and garland making, among others.
- Recognition and Certification: Artisans and craftsmen will gain recognition through the issuance of the PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, contributing to their professional identity.
- Credit Support: The scheme provides credit support up to Rs 1 lakh in the first tranche and Rs 2 lakh in the second tranche, with a concessional interest rate of 5%.
- Skill Enhancement: It offers opportunities for skill enhancement, incentivizes toolkits, promotes digital transactions, and extends marketing support.
- Training and Stipend: Skill development programs encompass both basic and advanced training. Participants are entitled to a stipend of Rs 500 per day during their training period.
- Modern Tools and Equipment: Beneficiaries are eligible for financial support of up to ₹15,000 to procure modern tools, enhancing their efficiency and productivity.
- Quality Improvement: The scheme aims to improve the quality and global reach of products and services crafted by artisans and craftsmen. It emphasizes their integration within domestic and global value chains.
Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana:
- The scheme extends its benefits to various professions such as tailors, carpenters, basket weavers, barbers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, and more.
- It caters to both urban and rural areas, facilitating employment opportunities for around 15,000 citizens annually.
- This scheme integrates craftsmen into the MSME sector, enhancing their visibility and access to resources.
- The scheme promotes self-employment and the development of traditional laborers.
- Funding for training programs to enhance traditional skills.
- Encouragement for others to engage in traditional crafts.
- Improvement in the standard of living for craftsmen.
- Financial assistance ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 1 lakh is available to eligible individuals.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- The applicant should be a traditional artisan or craftsman to avail the benefits of the Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana.
- There is no age restriction specified for applying to the scheme.
How to Apply for PM Vishwakarma Yojana:
For those seeking skill training, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana online registration form must be completed. As of now, the scheme has been announced, but details about the online application process for PM Vishwakarma Yojana are awaited. Once the online application process begins, we will provide updated information here.
